In this article, we will see the meaning of ‘It was a pleasure speaking with you’ and its proper usage.
There were times when the oceans separating two continents were dense enough to drown every ship, back then the world was a bigger place. But, with the advancements in technology and living standards such distances have become smaller. To say that technology is the only reason why our world is getting closer will be a wrong statement.
While technology has paved the way to a better world there has been another factor too that has helped our world get closer and move forward with sustainable development. People are realizing how their actions could adversely affect the environment and are using alternatives to lower the side effects. We can witness a cultural shift in our world at the moment. The Internet is promoting diversity and cultural inclusion as well.
To sum up we can say that technology and development are responsible for making the world a smaller and accessible place.
Importance of languages
Languages bridge barriers across vast lands and oceans; they are the reason why we are in contact with people from farthest in Africa and Asia and Australia. Languages have played a necessary part in the development of the world. Imagine not having a language to communicate- we would have used sign language, but what about the sound in our throats?
Humans across the world developed their different languages. They started speaking French, Mandarin, Hindi, Korean and Portuguese. These are unique world languages with different pronunciations and vocabularies.
The English wave
The English language traces its origin from old Latin, Old Norse, and French languages. The earliest English language that developed in the 5th century is known as old English. Trade and commerce helped English to become the first global language.
Ever since then, this dominance of the English language has been the same. In the present times, the native English-speaking countries are the most developed; they are providing talented people with job opportunities. To get the most of these opportunities, people are learning English.
Variations in English
The English speakers from various corners of the world have brought in several variations in the language. There is American English and British English and Indian English, and many more. English speakers from across the world have different dialects, which give birth to several accents. These accents and ways to speak a language bring variations in the language. Sometimes these variations are accepted globally, while other times are accepted regionally.
Because English is spoken in different countries, there have been several variations that have made their way. Some commonly used phrases and words came into existence. Sometimes we know about these phrases; sometimes, we do not. Sometimes these phrases are overused; sometimes, we do not know their proper usage.
One of these commonly used phrases is ‘it was a pleasure speaking with you.’ We must know the meaning, proper usage, and correct alternatives to make our conversations easier.
Meaning of the phrase
When someone says that they had the pleasure of speaking with you, they are trying to tell you that they enjoyed having a conversation with you. This phrase is suitable for two-way or two-person conversations. You can use this phrase when you have an enjoyable and informative conversation with the other person. When someone says this to you, they mean it as a compliment.
Pleasure is a feeling of happiness or satisfaction. We can say that when you feel happy or satisfied after speaking to someone, you can use the phrase to express your feelings.
The phrase has a simple meaning: if you enjoy talking to someone, you can say this. If you did not, then too you can say this to sound friendly. The phrase has both formal as well as casual uses. Instead of saying bye or seeing you later, you can use the phrase, to sound interested in more such conversations. You can use the same to address your friend or colleague or even your boss.
Using the phrase while conversing with your superiors is likely to paint your good impression on them. This phrase can be used separately in informal as well as formal conversations.
Some examples will help you with framing a sentence using the phrase in the future. Here is the proper usage of the phrase.
Examples
- Thanks for the opportunity, it was a pleasure speaking with you.
- I wish I could stay a little longer. However, it was a pleasure speaking with you.
- Unfortunately, you did not get the job. Still, it was a pleasure speaking with you.
- I will let others know about your genius ideas, it was a pleasure speaking with you.
- I never talk to strangers, but it was a pleasure speaking with you.
- I will notify you about the developments, until then, it was a pleasure speaking with you.
Formal and Informal ways of using the phrase
A phrase or a saying can be molded in such a way that it feels perfect to use in a formal conversation. When we talk about the phrase-it was a pleasure speaking with you, it feels accurate to use this in conventional communication.
One is most likely to use this while conversing with a colleague, superior, or professor. We never get to hear two friends tell each other that it was a pleasure speaking with you as it sounds rather absurd. Instead of this, two people who get into an informal conversation can use informal ways to use the phrase.
Proper usage
The phrase has no certified, proper usage. You can use it wherever and whenever you feel like it. But remember one thing, it is always used for someone you have indulged in conversation with, whether it be a physical conversation or through a mobile phone.
The phrase is generally used to end a conversation on a satisfactory note. At the end of a fruitful conversation, you tell the person on the other end that ‘it was a pleasure speaking to you to signify that you had a good time and you are open to having such conversations with them in the future. The phrase sounds more professional and polite than a simple see you later or goodbye. Try using it in your conversations in the future.
Using this phrase as it is might get boring, and we always need some alternatives to spice up our conversation. Sometimes you use the same phrase in front of one person that they get annoyed with the repeated usage. To tackle this problem some alternatives or different ways to say the phrase help us. These different ways should be interesting and understandable.
Here are some different ways to say the phrase ‘It was a pleasure speaking with you along with some usage in sentences:
Formal Conversation Alternatives
- It was a pleasure talking with you
Usage; It was a pleasure talking with you. I look forward to our next meeting.
- It was great to talk to you
Usage; This session was informative; it was great to talk to you.
- It was a pleasure meeting you
Usage: I have to say it was a pleasure meeting you.
- It was nice to meet you
Usage; It was nice to meet you. I am thankful I ran into you.
- It was nice talking to you
Usage: I haven’t had such a meaningful conversation in a long time. It was nice talking to you.
- I look forward to meeting you
Usage: I wish I could have stayed a little longer. I must go, but I look forward to meeting you.
Informal Conversation Alternatives
- It’s fun chatting with you
Usage; One thing I know is that it is always fun chatting with you.
- See you soon
Usage: Give your family my regards. I will see you soon.
- It was great hanging out with you.
Usage: I will call you when I get back home. But I have to say that it was great hanging out with you.
- You get me, man
Usage: Thanks for coming for me on short notice. You always get me, man, and I am thankful.
- Let us catch up soon.
Usage: I need to go now but let us catch up soon for more fun.
- I had a rocking time.
Usage: I had a rocking time talking to you. Unfortunately, I have to go now.
Other easy alternatives
I enjoyed meeting you, great interacting with you, I had a great time, was great seeing you, happy to meet you, and pleased to meet you to use as formal conversation alternatives. Lovely to meet you, it is fun talking to you, see you mate, I had fun today, see you soon can be used as informal conversation alternatives among many others.
Using these alternate phrases, you can end any conversation on a positive note. You should start using these now to develop a habit of applying attractive conversation enders.
Conclusion
Conversations are art; some are two-way others are group conversations. A person who is good at initiating and carrying forward conversations is always considered the life of the party. Even if you are socially awkward, you must know the basics to be good in your game. Acknowledging alternatives and usages to some commonly known phrases never hurts anyone. You must know these to make your potential known and to ease any conversation.